Accident Details
A student pilot, performing his second solo flight in a Robinson R-22B helicopter, encountered a loss of directional control while landing at PCM. According to the pilot, the flight to PCM from LAL lasted approximately five minutes. The only weather information obtained was from the LAL ATIS.
As the helicopter approached the threshold of runway 28, the pilot pulled up on the collective to arrest forward travel and simultaneously applied left pedal input. Instead of yawing left, the helicopter began to rotate to the right. Despite applying full left pedal, the pilot was unable to stop the rotation. After six to seven revolutions, he executed an autorotation.
The helicopter touched down softly but continued to rotate. The right skid caught in the dirt, causing the helicopter to roll onto its right side. After exiting the helicopter, the pilot noted that the wind increased and heavy rain began.
Weather Observations
Weather observations at PCM at 1325 recorded wind from 280 degrees at 6 knots with gusts to 14 knots. At 1345, wind was from 290 degrees at 7 knots with no gusts.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the helicopter.